Fix 0xC03A0005 error in Windows 10

When performing a Windows Backup to the NAS device (backup to a network share) that is running Samba, fails with an error message The backup failed, The version does not support this version of the file format (0xC03A0005). The problem occurs because of a conflict with the VHD file that is created by Windows Backup and is mounted during the process. There are three types of VHD files:

  1. Fixed,
  2. Expandable
  3. Differencing

If the VHD file is a sparse file that is not supported by the native VHD driver, the mounting will fail, and you will get this error. An example VHD file is one that keeps expanding depending on the backup size. The problem occurs only in the case of  File Level backup (file/folders in a volume) but not on the block level backup as the vhd file is never mounted. However, in the case of File Level Backup, the vhd is mounted, created by Windows Backup, which does not support the mounting of sparse files.

The solution is to use Strict Allocate: option in the smb.conf file

Login to SMB using SSH. Open the configuration file using the VI editor located at /etc/samba/smb.conf. If the option is not there, you can manually add strict allocate = yes which will make sure there are no sparse file that is created.

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MyImageConverter Removal Guide for Windows

This toolbar/web browser extension is ad/search-supported that is typically installed as an optional offer, users generally have this bundled with 3rd party software. During setup, this toolbar will modify the home page and new tab pages to the affiliate search portal MyWay.com using a primary search engine to collect shared search revenue. It will also modify the default search provider as well. While this extension is installed users will experience a display of additional ads and sponsored content throughout their browsing sessions, as well as the possibility of pop-up ads. Several anti-virus scanners have marked this extension as a Browser Hijacker and it is recommended to remove it from your computer.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijacking means that a malicious code has taken control over and altered the settings of your internet browser, without your consent. They are designed to interfere with browser programs for a variety of purposes. Usually, it’ll drive users to predetermined websites that are looking to increase their advertising campaign income. Though it may seem naive, all browser hijackers are damaging and thus always regarded as security risks. In a worst-case scenario, your internet browser can be hijacked to download malicious software that can do a great deal of damage to your laptop or computer.

How to know if your internet browser has been hijacked

The common symptoms that indicate having this malicious software on your PC are: 1. home page is modified 2. bookmark and the new tab are likewise modified 3. default online search engine is changed 4. you’re getting new toolbars you have never found before 5. your internet browser displays endless pop-up ads 6. your web browser has become unstable or starts running slowly 7. you can’t visit certain websites like homepages of anti-malware software.

Exactly how browser hijacker finds its way onto your computer system

Browser hijackers can enter a computer by some means or other, including via downloads, file sharing, and e-mail also. They may also come from any BHO, extension, add-on, toolbar, or plug-in with malicious intent. Browser hijackers sneak into your pc in addition to free software application downloads that you unintentionally install alongside the original. Some of the most popular hijackers are MyImageConverter, Conduit Search, Babylon Toolbar, Sweet Page, OneWebSearch, and CoolWebSearch.

Learn how to get rid of browser hijackers

Certain hijackers could be removed by just uninstalling the related freeware or add-ons through the Add or Remove Programs in the Windows control panel. In some cases, it could be a difficult job to find and remove the malicious piece because the associated file could be running as part of the operating system process. Besides, browser hijackers can modify the Windows registry so it can be quite tough to restore all the values manually, especially when you are not a very tech-savvy person. You can choose automatic browser hijacker removal by just installing and running an efficient anti-malware program. SafeBytes Anti-Malware detects all types of hijackers – including MyImageConverter – and eliminates every trace quickly and efficiently. In addition to anti-virus software, a PC optimizer program, like Total System Care, can help you fix Windows registry errors, remove unwanted toolbars, secure your internet privacy, and boost overall computer performance.

What to Do if Virus Stops You From Downloading Or Installing Antivirus?

Practically all malware is bad, but certain types of malware do much more damage to your PC than others. Some malware variants alter web browser settings by adding a proxy server or change the PC’s DNS configuration settings. In such cases, you’ll be unable to visit some or all of the websites, and therefore not able to download or install the required security software to clear out the computer virus. If you are reading this now, you might have perhaps realized that virus infection is a reason behind your blocked net connectivity. So how to proceed if you need to install an anti-virus software like Safebytes? Follow the instructions below to remove malware by alternate methods.

Download the software in Safe Mode with Networking

The Windows operating system comes with a special mode referred to as “Safe Mode” in which only the minimum required programs and services are loaded. In the event the malware is blocking internet connection and affecting your computer, running it in Safe Mode enables you to download anti-virus and run a diagnostic scan whilst limiting potential damage. To get into Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking, press F8 while the system is booting up or run MSCONFIG and locate the “Safe Boot” options in the “Boot” tab. Once you are in safe mode, you can try to install your anti-malware application without the hindrance of the malware. Now, you can run the antivirus scan to get rid of viruses and malware without hindrance from another malicious application.

Download the security software using an alternate internet browser

Some malware only targets particular web browsers. If this sounds like your situation, utilize another web browser as it might circumvent the virus. If you seem to have a trojan attached to Internet Explorer, then switch to an alternate web browser with built-in safety features, such as Firefox or Chrome, to download your preferred anti-malware program – Safebytes.

Install anti-malware on a USB drive

Another option would be to make a portable antivirus program on your USB flash drive. To run anti-malware from a USB pen drive, follow these simple measures: 1) On a virus-free computer, download and install Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Plug the USB drive into the clean computer. 3) Double-click on the downloaded file to open the installation wizard. 4) Select the drive letter of the flash drive as the location when the wizard asks you exactly where you want to install the antivirus. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the installation process. 5) Transfer the flash drive from the uninfected computer to the infected computer. 6) Double-click the Safebytes Anti-malware icon on the USB drive to run the software. 7) Hit the “Scan” button to run a full computer scan and remove viruses automatically.

Protect Your PC and Privacy With SafeBytes Anti-Malware

Are you looking to install the best anti-malware software program for your PC? You can find many applications on the market which come in free and paid versions for Windows systems. A few of them do a great job in eradicating malware threats while some will affect your PC themselves. You should look for a product that has obtained a good reputation and detects not only viruses but other types of malware as well. While considering the highly regarded applications, Safebytes AntiMalware is certainly the highly recommended one. SafeBytes anti-malware is trustworthy software that not only secures your PC completely but is also quite user-friendly for people of all ability levels. Through its cutting-edge technology, this software will help you protect your computer against infections caused by various kinds of malware and similar internet threats, including adware, spyware, viruses, worms, trojans, keyloggers, ransomware, and potentially unwanted program (PUPs).

SafeBytes anti-malware offers an array of advanced features which sets it aside from all others. Let’s take a look at a few of them below:

Real-time Threat Response: SafeBytes provides real-time active supervision and protection from all known computer viruses and malware. It’ll inspect your personal computer for suspicious activity regularly and its unrivaled firewall protects your computer from illegal access by the outside world. World-class AntiMalware Protection: Using a critically acclaimed anti-malware engine, SafeBytes offers multilayered protection which is designed to catch and get rid of viruses and malware that are hidden deep inside your computer’s operating system. Web protection: SafeBytes inspects the hyperlinks present on a webpage for possible threats and notifies you if the site is safe to visit or not, through its unique safety ranking system. Light-weight: This application is not “heavy” on the computer’s resources, so you’ll not see any performance troubles when SafeBytes is working in the background. 24/7 Customer Support: Support service is readily available 24 x 7 x 365 days through email and chats to answer your concerns. SafeBytes has developed a great anti-malware solution to help you conquer the latest malware threats and virus attacks. You can be sure that your computer will be protected in real-time once you put this tool to use. So if you’re looking for the absolute best malware removal application out there, and if you don’t mind paying out a few bucks for it, opt for SafeBytes Anti-Malware.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

To get rid of MyImageConverter manually, navigate to the Add or Remove programs list in the Control Panel and choose the program you want to get rid of. For web browser extensions, go to your browser’s Addon/Extension manager and choose the plug-in you intend to disable or remove. You may also want to reset your home page and search engine providers, and also delete temporary files, browsing history, and cookies. If you opt to manually delete the system files and Windows registry entries, utilize the following checklist to make sure you know precisely what files to remove before performing any actions. But bear in mind, editing the Windows registry is usually a difficult task that only advanced users and professionals should attempt to fix the problem. In addition, some malware is capable of replicating or preventing removal. It is highly recommended that you carry out the removal procedure in Windows Safe Mode.
Files: %PROGRAMFILES(x86)%4zUninstall MyImageConverter.dll %SystemDrive%\Users\wsierra\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\pe3eufs0.default\extensionszffxtbr-bs@MyImageConverter_4z.com\content\MyImageConverter.exe %LOCALAPPDATA%\MyImageConverter_4z %PROGRAMFILES%\MyImageConverter_4z %UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\amailnkkmeeoijlkjdgloiclaiifpojf %LOCALAPPDATA%\amailnkkmeeoijlkjdgloiclaiifpojf %ProgramFiles%\MyImageConverter %UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Sync Extension Settings\oeabadoffdnkmmecmhpknaklgmabippp %ProgramFiles(x86)%\MyImageConverter %UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\ikgjglmlehllifdekcggaapkaplbdpje %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\ikgjglmlehllifdekcggaapkaplbdpje %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Sync Extension Settings\ikgjglmlehllifdekcggaapkaplbdpje %UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Sync Extension Settings\ikgjglmlehllifdekcggaapkaplbdpje %UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\MyImageConverterTooltab %LOCALAPPDATA%\MyImageConverterTooltab Registry: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\ HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AppDataLow\Software\MyImageConverter_4z HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\MyImageConverter_4z HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\MyImageConverter_4z.DynamicBarButton HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\MyImageConverter_4z.DynamicBarButton.1 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\MyImageConverter_4z.FeedManager HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\MyImageConverter_4z.HTMLPanel HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\MyImageConverter_4z.HTMLPanel.1 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\MyImageConverter_4z.MultipleButton HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\MyImageConverter_4z.MultipleButton.1 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\MyImageConverter_4z.PseudoTransparentPlugin HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\MyImageConverter_4z.PseudoTransparentPlugin.1 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\MyImageConverter_4z.Radio HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\MyImageConverter_4z.ScriptButton HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\MyImageConverter_4z.ScriptButton.1 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\MyImageConverter_4z.SettingsPlugin HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\MyImageConverter_4z.SettingsPlugin.1 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\MyImageConverter_4z.SkinLauncher HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\MyImageConverter_4z.SkinLauncher.1 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\MyImageConverter_4z.SkinLauncherSettings HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\MyImageConverter_4z.SkinLauncherSettings.1 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\MyImageConverter_4z.ToolbarProtector HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\MyImageConverter_4z.ToolbarProtector.1 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\MyImageConverter_4z.UrlAlertButton HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\MyImageConverter_4z.UrlAlertButton.1 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\MyImageConverter_4z.XMLSessionPlugin HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\MyImageConverter_4z.XMLSessionPlugin.1 HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Approved Extensions, value: 312F84FB-8970-4FD3-BDDB-7012EAC4AFC9 HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Approved Extensions, value: 48586425-6BB7-4F51-8DC6-38C88E3EBB58 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Google\Chrome\Extensions\adldappccjhelkmbkpiibilgnnjakieg HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Low Rights\ElevationPolicy\3d429207-4689-492d-a0e5-cdc5dfbb5005 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Low Rights\ElevationPolicy\66d59105-fe06-43a4-b292-eb0097e9eb74 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Low Rights\ElevationPolicy\9103c314-c4e2-4463-8934-b19bcb46236d HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Low Rights\ElevationPolicy\97cef41c-5055-474a-855a-892d4fe3e596 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Low Rights\ElevationPolicy\d375ee64-f893-498a-a0e9-0e9829c88c3d HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Tracing\MyImageConverterCrxSetup_RASAPI32 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Tracing\MyImageConverterCrxSetup_RASMANCS HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\1f6f39c1-00a8-4752-a94c-d0ea92d978b6 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\38122a36-83b2-46b8-b39a-ec72a4614a07 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\5354d921-3f52-47c5-938d-77a2fb6defe7 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\71144427-1368-4D18-8DC9-2AE3CC4C4F83 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\99e1f6fd-2e94-4cf6-8344-1ba63cd3bd9b HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\a86782d8-7b41-452f-a217-1854f72dba54 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\ed345812-2722-4dca-9976-d01832db44ee HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\MozillaPlugins\@MyImageConverter_4z.com/Plugin HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Low Rights\ElevationPolicy\9103c314-c4e2-4463-8934-b19bcb46236d HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Low Rights\ElevationPolicy\97cef41c-5055-474a-855a-892d4fe3e596 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Low Rights\ElevationPolicy\d375ee64-f893-498a-a0e9-0e9829c88c3d HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Tracing\MyImageConverterCrxSetup_RASAPI32 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Tracing\MyImageConverterCrxSetup_RASMANCS HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\explorer\Browser Helper Objects\312f84fb-8970-4fd3-bddb-7012eac4afc9 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\explorer\Browser Helper Objects\c547c6c2-561b-4169-a2a5-20ba771ca93b HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\1f6f39c1-00a8-4752-a94c-d0ea92d978b6 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\71144427-1368-4D18-8DC9-2AE3CC4C4F83 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\99e1f6fd-2e94-4cf6-8344-1ba63cd3bd9b HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\a86782d8-7b41-452f-a217-1854f72dba54 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\ed345812-2722-4dca-9976-d01832db44ee HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\MozillaPlugins\@MyImageConverter_4z.com/Plugin HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, value: MyImageConverter Search Scope Monitor HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\VDC_is1 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google\Chrome\Extensions\adldappccjhelkmbkpiibilgnnjakieg HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\MyImageConverter HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\MyImageConverter_4z HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\MyImageConverter.ScriptHelper HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\MyImageConverter.ScriptHelper.1 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes\cf6e4b1c-dbde-457e-9cef-ab8ecac8a5e8 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\MyImageConverter HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\MozillaPlugins\@MyImageConverter_ScriptHelper.com/Plugin HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, value: MyImageConverter_4z Browser Plugin Loader HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, value: MyImageConverter_4z Browser Plugin Loader HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\LowRegistry\DOMStorage\MyImageConverter.dl.tb.ask.com HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\DOMStorage\MyImageConverter.dl.myway.com HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\DOMStorage\MyImageConverter.com HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\LowRegistry\DOMStorage\www.MyImageConverter.com HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\DOMStorage\free.MyImageConverter.com HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\[APPLICATION]\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall..Uninstaller
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Fix blank or empty dialog boxes with no text
The dialog boxes that you see on your Windows computer exist to send you a message or to notify you. However, you can also encounter issues with them. Recently, some users reported that they’re getting empty or blank dialog boxes. It’s definitely hard to choose between Yes or No or to click OK when you don’t know the context of the dialog box. If the same thing happened to you, worry not for there are some possible solutions that can help you fix the problem. This kind of problem usually happens when there are some issues with the graphics driver or when there is some corrupted software. Whichever the case is, here are some fixes you can check out to fix the empty or blank dialog boxes on your Windows 10 computer.

Option 1 – Run the System File Checker

System File Checker or SFC is a built-in command utility that helps in restoring corrupted files as well as missing files. It replaces bad and corrupted system files with good system files that might be the cause why you’re getting the errors 0x8024a11a and 0x8024a112. To run the SFC command, follow the steps given below.
  • Type “cmd” in the Start search and then right-click on the appropriate search result.
  • Next, select “Run as administrator” to open Command Prompt with admin privileges.
  • After opening Command Prompt, type in sfc /scannow
The command will start a system scan which will take a few whiles before it finishes. Once it’s done, you could get the following results:
  1. Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.
  2. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.
  3. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.
 Now restart your computer and see if the problem is fixed or not.

Option 2 – Try to update or rollback the Graphics driver

You can try to update your Graphics card driver using the Device Manager in your computer to resolve the blank dialog boxes problem or you can also go directly to the website of your graphics card manufacturers like NVIDIA, Intel, or AMD and go to the section called Drivers then check if there’s a new available update – if there is, download and install it. To update your Graphics driver via Device Manager, refer to these steps:
  • First, boot your computer into Safe Mode.
  • After that, tap the Win + R keys to launch Run.
  • Type in devmgmt.msc into the box and tap Enter or click OK to open the Device Manager.
  • After that, a list of device drivers will be displayed. From there, look for the Display Adapters and click on them.
  • After that, right-click on each entry under the Display Adapters and select the “Uninstall Device” option from the menu.
  • Now restart your computer.
  • After restarting your computer, go to the Settings app and Check for Updates in the Windows Update section.
Note: If updating the Graphics driver didn’t fix the problem, you can also try to roll back to its previous version and see if that helps.

Option 3 – Run the DISM tool

The next thing you can do is run the DISM tool. This tool is known to repair potentially corrupted files in your system as having them could also system issues like the blank dialog boxes. To repair these corrupted system files, you can run the DISM commands:
  • Tap the Win + X keys and click on the “Command Prompt (Admin)” option.
  • After that, input each one of the commands listed below sequentially to execute them:
    • Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
    • Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
    • Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  • Once you’ve executed the commands given above, restart your computer and check if the problem is now fixed.

Option 4 – Try to repair or reinstall the software

If the issue with the empty dialog boxes only occurs in a specific program, you can either try to repair the program or reinstall it. You can find the Repair option in the Add/Remove program section when you select the concerned program. If repairing the program didn’t work, you might have to uninstall it and then reinstall it.

Option 5 – Try troubleshooting the problem in a Clean Boot State

You might also want to troubleshoot the problem in a Clean Boot State. Doing so will help you isolate the problem. Refer to the steps below to do so:
  • Log onto your PC as an administrator.
  • Type in MSConfig in the Start Search to open the System Configuration utility.
  • From there, go to the General tab and click “Selective startup”.
  • Clear the “Load Startup items” check box and make sure that the “Load System Services” and “Use Original boot configuration” options are checked.
  • Next, click the Services tab and select the “Hide All Microsoft Services” check box.
  • Click Disable all.
  • Click on Apply/OK and restart your PC. (This will put your PC into a Clean Boot State. And configure Windows to use the usual startup, just simply undo the changes.)
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Remove ChatZum from Windows

ChatZum is a Potentially Unwanted Program that installs a Toolbar into your browser. This program allegedly allows users to zoom in on photos without clicking on them, however, upon further research, it was discovered that this function does not work on the latest version of browsers.

From the Author: ChatZum is a Browser add-on (toolbar) that enables its users to hover over images in Major Social network's websites and view a larger version of an image.

While installing this toolbar will track user web browsing sessions and will record website visits, clicks, and sometimes even personal information. This information is later used to display targeted ads to the user. To allow easier user tracking, the program changes the browser home page and default search engine to Nation Search Advanced, which injects additional advertisements and tracks user activity.

Several anti-virus applications have marked this program as Potentially Unwanted, and it is not recommended to keep it on your computer, especially considering the fact it will most likely not work on your browser.

About Potentially Unwanted Applications

If you have ever installed a free application or shareware, chances are high that the computer will get installed with a bunch of unwanted applications. A Potentially Unwanted Program, also called PUP, in short, is actually software that contains adware, installs toolbars, or has got other hidden objectives. These types of programs are generally bundled up with a free application that you download from the internet or may also be bundled inside the custom installers of many download websites. PUPs aren’t always viewed as “pure” malware in the strictest sense. A fundamental difference between PUP and malware is distribution. Malware is normally dropped by silent installation vectors like drive-by downloads while PUP gets installed with the consent of the computer user, who knowingly or unknowingly approves the PUP installation on their computer system. But, there is no doubt that PUPs remain bad news for PC users as it could be quite dangerous to your computer in many ways.

The damage PUPs can do

The unwanted programs after installation display numerous annoying pop-up ads, trigger fake alerts, and sometimes even forces a computer owner to pay for the software. PUPs that come as browser add-ons and toolbars are commonly recognizable. These toolbars alter your homepage and your search engine in the installed web browser, track your web activities, modify your search results with redirects and sponsored links, and eventually slow down your browser and diminish your browsing experience. Potentially unwanted programs use aggressive distribution methods to get onto your computer. The worst part of setting up a PUP is the adware, spyware, and keystroke loggers that could lurk inside. Even if the PUPs really aren’t inherently malicious, these applications still do practically nothing good on your PC – they’ll take valuable system resources, slow down your PC, weaken your computer security, making your PC more vulnerable to malware.

How to avoid ‘crapware’

• Read the EULA thoroughly. Look for clauses that state that you have to accept advertising and pop-ups or bundled applications from the company. • Always opt for the custom if you’re offered an option between “Custom” and “Recommended” Installations – never ever click Next, Next, Next thoughtlessly. • Use a good anti-malware application. Try Safebytes Anti-malware which can find PUPs and treat them as malware by flagging them for deletion. • Be alert if you download and install freeware, open-source applications, or shareware. Do not ever install software applications that seem shady or malicious. • Always download applications from the original website. The majority of PUPs find their way onto your laptop or computer is via download portals, so steer clear of it altogether. Remember the fact that even though PUPs could potentially cause damage and hinder the proper functioning of the PC, they can’t enter into your system without your consent, so be alert not to provide them with it.

How One Can Get rid of Malware that is Blocking Websites or Preventing Downloads

Malware could potentially cause many kinds of damage to PCs, networks, and data. Some malware goes to great lengths to stop you from downloading or installing anything on your computer, especially antivirus software. If you’re reading this article, odds are you’re stuck with a malware infection that is preventing you to download or install the Safebytes Anti-Malware program on your PC. Even though this sort of problem can be tougher to circumvent, there are some steps you can take.

Make use of Safe Mode to resolve the issue

If the malware is set to run automatically when Microsoft Windows starts, stepping into safe mode could block the attempt. Just minimal required programs and services are loaded when you boot your computer in Safe Mode. To launch your Windows XP, Vista, or 7 computers in Safe Mode with Networking, do as instructed below. 1) Tap the F8 key repeatedly as soon as your PC boots, however, before the big Windows logo or black screen with white texts come up. This would invoke the Advanced Boot Options menu. 2) Choose Safe Mode with Networking with arrow keys and hit ENTER. 3) When this mode loads, you should have the internet. Now, obtain the malware removal program you want by utilizing the web browser. To install the program, follow the guidelines in the installation wizard. 4) Right after installation, do a full scan and allow the software program to get rid of the threats it detects.

Switch to an alternate internet browser

Some malware mainly targets certain browsers. If this is your situation, employ another internet browser as it might circumvent the computer virus. When you suspect that your Internet Explorer has been hijacked by a trojan or otherwise compromised by online hackers, the best thing to do is to switch over to an alternate internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, or Apple Safari to download your chosen security program – Safebytes Anti-Malware.

Create a portable USB antivirus for eliminating viruses

Another technique is to download and transfer an antivirus application from a clean computer to run a scan on the infected computer. Follow these steps to run the anti-malware on the affected computer. 1) Download the anti-malware on a virus-free PC. 2) Connect the flash drive to a USB slot on the clean computer. 3) Double click on the exe file to run the installation wizard. 4) Choose the USB stick as the location for saving the file. Follow the instructions on the screen to finish off the installation process. 5) Now, transfer the flash drive to the infected computer. 6) Run the Safebytes Anti-malware directly from the USB drive by double-clicking the icon. 7) Click the “Scan Now” button to start the virus scan.

Protect your PC from Malware With SafeBytes Security Suite

If you are looking to install an anti-malware program for your PC, there are lots of tools in the market to consider nonetheless, you just cannot trust blindly anyone, regardless of whether it is a paid or free program. A few of them are great but there are several scamware applications that pretend as authentic anti-malware programs waiting around to wreak havoc on your PC. You have to pick a company that develops industry-best anti-malware and it has earned a reputation as reliable. One of the highly recommended applications by industry analysts is SafeBytes Anti-Malware, the safest program for Microsoft Windows. SafeBytes can be described as a highly effective, real-time antivirus application that is made to assist the average computer user in protecting their PC from malicious internet threats. Through its cutting-edge technology, this software will help you protect your computer against infections brought on by various kinds of malware and other internet threats, including spyware, adware, trojans, worms, computer viruses, keyloggers, ransomware, and potentially unwanted program (PUPs).

There are many wonderful features you’ll get with this particular security product. Listed below are some of the features you will like in SafeBytes.

Active Protection: SafeBytes offers a completely hands-free active protection and is set to observe, block, and kill all computer threats at its very first encounter. It will check your PC for suspicious activity at all times and its unrivaled firewall shields your computer from illegal entry by the outside world. Robust, Anti-malware Protection: Using a critically acclaimed malware engine, SafeBytes offers multilayered protection which is made to catch and remove threats that are concealed deep inside your PC. Web Security: Safebytes allots all sites a unique safety ranking that helps you to get an idea of whether the webpage you’re just about to visit is safe to view or known to be a phishing site. Extremely Speed Scanning: SafeBytes’s virus scan engine is among the fastest and most efficient in the industry. It's targeted scanning significantly increases the catch rate for viruses which is embedded in various computer files. Lightweight: SafeBytes is really lightweight software. It consumes an extremely small amount of processing power as it runs in the background which means you will not observe any computer performance difficulties. 24/7 Support: For any technical concerns or product assistance, you may get 24/7 expert assistance via chat and email. To sum it up, SafeBytes Anti-Malware offers outstanding protection combined with an acceptable low system resources usage with both great malware detection and prevention. You now may realize that this particular tool does more than just scan and remove threats from your computer. You will get the best all-around protection for the money you pay on SafeBytes AntiMalware subscription, there’s no question about it.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you wish to do the removal of ChatZum manually rather than using an automated software tool, you can follow these simple steps: Navigate to the Windows Control Panel, click the “Add/Remove Programs” and there, choose the offending application to remove. In case of suspicious versions of web browser plug-ins, you can easily get rid of it through your web browser’s extension manager. You might also want to reset your home page and search providers, as well as delete browsing history, temporary files, and cookies. If you choose to manually remove the system files and Windows registry entries, use the following list to make sure you know exactly what files to remove before undertaking any actions. Please note that only advanced users should try to manually edit the system files mainly because removing any single vital registry entry results in a serious problem or even a PC crash. In addition, certain malware is capable of replicating itself or preventing its removal. Doing this malware-removal process in Safe Mode is recommended.
Files: Search And Delete: tbcore3.dll arrow_refresh.png basis.xml chatzum.dll info.txt inst.tmp loaderie.js suggestion_plugin.dll TbCommonUtils.dll tbcore3.dll tbhelper.dll TbHelper2.exe uninstall.exe uninstaller.exe update.exe Folders: C:\Program Files\ChatZum Toolbar\ C:\Documents and Settings\username\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\gb5e8gtn.default\extensions\staged\ADFA33FD-16F5-4355-8504-DF4D664CFE83 Registry: Key HKLM\SOFTWARE\ChatZum Toolbar Key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\ChatZum Toolbar
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Fixing Error 633: The modem already in use
If you are trying to connect to the internet using a Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or a Wi-Fi connection and you suddenly encounter Error 633, then read on as this post will guide you on how you can fix this problem in your Windows 10 computer. According to users who encountered the same problem, when they try to connect to the internet, an error pops up that states, “The modem or other connecting device is either already in use or not appropriately configured”. This error is the VPN Error 633 which indicates that the modem is malfunctioning due to some broken configuration. It is possible that this broken configuration is caused by the WAN Miniport device which is associated with your preferred VPN protocol. It could also be due to the TCP port that’s required for the VPN connection to work might be used by another application. There are instances when Error 622 could occur when there are multiple internet connections set up on one device or when the communication port is exploited by another program. It could also occur when the affected modem is not bound to one specific device. Thus, any model and computer can be affected by this problem. The first and basic thing you can do to fix the VPN Error 633 is to turn off or unplug the modem your computer is using and then plug it back in to see if the problem is fixed. If not, then there are several other potential fixes you need to check out to resolve the problem. You can try the suggestions provided below and see if any of them help.

Option 1 – Run the Network Adapter Troubleshooter

  • Open the Search bar on your computer and type in “troubleshoot” to open the Troubleshoot settings.
  • Next, scroll down and select the “Network Adapter” option from the right pane.
  • Then click on the Run Troubleshooter” button.
  • After that, your computer will check for any possible errors and will pinpoint the root cause of the problem if possible.

Option 2 – Try to explicitly reserve the TCP port

The next thing you can do to fix the error is to reserve the TCP port explicitly and to do that, follow the steps below.
  • Tap the Win + R keys to pull up the Run dialog box and type “Regedit” in the field and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  • Next, navigate to this registry path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesTcpipParameters
  • After that, follow the path New > Multi-String Value on the edit menu and rename the multi-string value as “ReservedPorts” and then double click on it.
  • Now in the value data of ReservedPorts, input “1723-1723” and click OK to save the changes made.
  • Close the Registry Editor and restart your PC. Once your computer has restarted, check if the VPN Error 633 is fixed or not.

Option 3 – Try to use the netstat command

  • In the Windows Start Search, type “cmd” and from the search results that appear, right-click on Command Prompt and then select the “Run as administrator” option.
  • After opening Command Prompt as admin, type this command and hit Enter: netstat –aon
  • After that, the output will be displayed and from there, look for the process ID or PID of any program that uses the TCP port 1723 on your computer.
  • Next, type this next command and hit Enter: taskkill /PID PID /F
  • Once the command has been executed, the concerned program will be forced to close and the TCP port 1723 will be freed up. Keep in mind that the taskkill command ends the process corresponds to the process ID number and the given command above, “/F” option is used to end the program’s process forcefully.
  • Now restart your computer and after that, the concerned program should start using a TCP port other than 1723 which leaves the TCP port 1723 free for your internet device to use.

Option 4 – Remove any irrelevant internet device programs

You could also try removing any irrelevant device programs since it is possible that any of these programs could be the one that’s causing the modem to malfunction. These irrelevant programs could be an internet booster or third-party tools that comes with the modem and so on. These programs are not necessarily needed for your modem to function. Thus, if you want to fix the VPN Error 633, you can try uninstalling them and see if it fixed the error.

Option 5 – Update the Network Adapter drivers

You might also want to update the Network Adapter drivers by following these steps:
  • Tap the Win + R keys to launch the Run window and then type in the “devmgmt.msc” command and hit Enter to open the Device Manager window.
  • Under the Device Manager, you will see a list of drivers. From there, look for the Network Adapters and expand them.
  • Then right-click on each one of the Network drivers and update them all.
  • Restart your PC and see if it helped in fixing the BSOD error.
Note: If updating the network drivers didn’t help in fixing the VPN Error 633, you can also try to uninstall the very same drivers and restart your Windows 10 PC. After that, the system itself will reinstall the drivers you just uninstalled. Alternatively, you can also download and install the drivers from the manufacturer’s website directly. To reinstall the network adapter driver, refer to these steps:
  • Open the Devices Manager from the Win X Menu.
  • Then locate the device drivers and right-click on them to open the Properties.
  • After that, switch to the Driver tab and click on the Uninstall Device button.
  • Follow the screen option to completely uninstall it.
  • Finally, restart your computer. It will just reinstall the device drivers automatically.
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Fix Lost internet connection in Windows 10
Losing an internet connection is not a pleasant thing, especially if it happens often. If you are a gamer this phenomenon can be very disturbing since it can stop your progress or even get your account banned if you are playing competitively. Luckily we have the solution for this annoyance, keep on reading and follow the guide.
  1. Update your driver

    Outdated or wrong drivers can cause a lot of issues and the device can exhibit strange behavior this way. To update driver Right-click on Start Click on Device Manager Locate your network adapter, wifi card, or device you are using for internet access right-click on it and choose update driver
  2. Renew IP

    Right-click on Start Click on command prompt (admin) In command prompt type ipconfig /renew and press ENTER
  3. Reset Winsock API

    Right-click on Start Click on command prompt (admin) In command prompt type netsh winsock reset catalog and press ENTER then type netsh int ipv4 reset reset.log and press ENTER reboot PC
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DisplayLink in Windows 10 is not working
This post will guide you in what to do if the DisplayLink in Windows 10 is not working. There are several users who reported that their DisplayLink device has stopped working with the Windows 20 Anniversary or the Creators update all of a sudden. According to users, this issue occurs right after they finish installing a big Windows Update like the Anniversary Update or the Creators Update or right when the DisplayLink driver is updated using Windows Update. DisplayLink is a graphics transport technology that allows users to connect to any computer that supports USB or Wi-Fi. Aside from that, it is also an excellent universal docking solution to any platform which makes it a great solution for enabling multiple displays. Thus, it can be quite annoying when DisplayLink suddenly stops working. There really is no actual error message when it happens. The only telltale sign is that all the devices that use the DisplayLink technology will also stop functioning. There could be tons of reasons why DisplayLink stopped working. It could be due to an incompatible driver, or the DisplayLink driver itself is corrupted or is connected to a USB 2.0 port. In addition, the problem could also be due to the Nvidia Share (ShadowPlay) that conflicts with DisplayLink or that the Universal Serial Bus is broken. To resolve the issue, refer to the following options laid out below.

Option 1 – Run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter

As you know, Windows comes with a built-in tool that you can use to troubleshoot the problem with DisplayLink. You can find it in Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot. For further instructions, follow these steps:
  • The first thing you need to do is click on Start and then on the gear-like icon to pull up the window for Settings.
  • After opening Settings, look for the Update and Security option and select it.
  • From there, go to the Troubleshoot option located on the left-hand side of the list.
  • Next, select Hardware and Devices from the list and open the Troubleshooter and run it. Once it is doing its job, wait for it to complete the process and then restart the system.
  • After the system restarts, check if the problem’s now fixed. If not, refer to the next option given below.

Option 2 – Try to uninstall DisplayLink and reconnect the docking station

If the Hardware and Device troubleshooter is of no help, you can try uninstalling DisplayLink and reconnecting the docking station. To do so, follow these steps:
  • Disconnect the docking station or any other device that uses DisplayLink.
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Then type “cpl” and hit Enter to open Programs and Features.
  • From there, look for DisplayLink, right-click on it and click Uninstall.
  • After that, follow the next on-screen instructions that appear on your screen to completely remove DisplayLink from your computer.
  • Once you’ve uninstalled DisplayLink, click this link to download and install DisplayLink again.
  • Now reconnect the docking station as well as other devices that use DisplayLink and follow the next on-screen instructions to reinstall the required drivers in your computer.
  • Restart your computer and then check if DisplayLink is now working fine or not.

Option 3 – Try using a USB 3.0 port

If you are experiencing this issue with DisplayLink with a monitor that you’re trying to connect using DisplayLink, then you have to make sure that you are using a USB 3.0 port. Based on some reports, there are certain monitors that will not work with DisplayLink while connected to a USB 2.0 port since they have insufficient power to run the monitor. Like pointed out earlier, the problem with DisplayLink might have something to do with the Nvidia ShadowPlay. This streaming feature was often reported to crash the DisplayLink monitors which is why you might want to try disabling it for a while to check if it’s really true. Once you’ve disabled Nvidia ShadowPlay, restart your computer and check if your DisplayLink monitor now works.

Option 5 – Reinstall the Universal Serial Bus controller

You can also reinstall the Universal Serial Bus controller to fix DisplayLink since a malfunctioning USB port can sometimes cause issues with DisplayLink.
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Then type “msc” in the field and hit Enter to open the Device Manager.
  • From there, look for the Universal Serial Bus controllers and expand its drop-down menu.
  • Next, right-click on every Host Controller and then click on Uninstall Device.
  • After uninstalling every entry, restart your computer to force your system to reinstall the drivers you’ve just uninstalled.
  • Once your computer has rebooted, wait until the drivers are reinstalled and then try opening DisplayLink again.

Option 5 – Reinstall the Universal Serial Bus controller

You can also try to perform a System Restore as it can also help you fix DisplayLink. You can do this option either by booting into Safe Mode or in System Restore. If you are already in the Advanced Startup Options, just directly select System Restore and proceed with the next steps. And if you have just booted your PC into Safe Mode, refer to the steps below.
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • After that, type in “sysdm.cpl” in the field and tap Enter.
  • Next, go to the System Protection tab then click the System Restore button. This will open a new window where you have to select your preferred System Restore point.
  • After that, follow the on-screen instructions to finish the process and then restart your computer and check if the problem is fixed or not.
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How to Obliterate PyLocky Ransomware

What is PyLocky ransomware? And how does it execute its attack?

PyLocky ransomware is a file-locking malware created in order to lock important files and demand ransom from victims in exchange for data recovery. This new ransomware uses the .lockymap extension in marking the files it encrypts. It starts to execute its attack by dropping the following malicious payload in the system:
Name: facture_4739149_08.26.2018.exe SHA256:8655f8599b0892d55efc13fea404b520858d01812251b1d25dcf0afb4684dce9 Size: 5.3 MB
After dropping its malicious payload, this crypto-malware connects the infected computer to a remote server where it downloads more malicious files and places them on system folders. It then applies a data gathering module used to gather data about the user and the computer. The malicious files that were downloaded earlier along with the data obtained are used for another module called stealth protection. This allows PyLocky ransomware to execute its attack without detection from any security or antivirus programs installed in the system. It also modifies some registry keys and entries in the Windows Registry such as:
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USERControl PanelDesktop
  • HKEY_USERS.DEFAULTControl PanelDesktop
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRunOnce
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRunOnce
Once all the modifications are carried out, PyLocky ransomware will begin encrypting its targeted files using a sophisticated encryption cipher. Following the encryption, it adds the .lockymap extension to each one of the encrypted files and releases a ransom note named “LOCKY-README.txt” which contains the following content:
“Please be advised: All your files, pictures document and data has been encrypted with Military Grade Encryption RSA ABS-256. Your information is not lost. But Encrypted. In order for you to restore your files, you have to purchase a Decrypter. Follow these steps to restore your files. 1* Download the Tor Browser. ( Just type in google “Download Tor“ 2‘ Browse to URL: http://4wcgqlckaazungm.onion/index.php 3* Purchase the Decryptor to restore your files. It is very simple. If you don’t believe that we can restore your files, then you can restore 1 file of image format for free. Be aware the time is ticking. Price will be doubled every 96 hours so use it wisely. Your unique ID : CAUTION: Please do not try to modify or delete any encrypted file as it will be hard to restore it. SUPPORT: You can contact support to help decrypt your files for you. Click on support at http://4wcgqlckaazungm.onion/index.php”

How does PyLocky ransomware spread over the web?

PyLocky ransomware spreads using malicious spam email campaigns. Creators of this threat embed an infected attachment to spam emails and send them using a spambot. Crooks may even use deceptive tactics to trick you into opening the malware-laden immediately which is something you must not do. Thus, before opening any emails, make sure that you’ve thoroughly checked them. To successfully obliterate PyLocky ransomware from your computer, refer to the removal guide laid out below.
  • Step 1: Launch the Task Manager by simply tapping Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys on your keyboard.
  • Step 2: Under the Task Manager, go to the Processes tab and look for the process named facture_4739149_08.26.2018.exe and any suspicious-looking process which takes up most of your CPU’s resources and is most likely related to PyLocky ransomware.
  • Step 3: After that, close the Task Manager.
  • Step 4: Tap Win + R, type in appwiz.cpl and click OK or tap Enter to open Control Panel’s list of installed programs.
  • Step 5: Under the list of installed programs, look for PyLocky ransomware or anything similar, and then uninstall it.
  • Step 6: Next, close the Control Panel and tap Win + E keys to launch File Explorer.
  • Step 7: Navigate to the following locations below and look for PyLocky ransomware’s malicious components such as facture_4739149_08.26.2018.exe and LOCKY-README.txt as well as other suspicious files, then delete all of them.
%TEMP% %WINDIR%System32Tasks %APPDATA%MicrosoftWindowsTemplates %USERPROFILE%Downloads %USERPROFILE%Desktop
  • Step 8: Close the File Explorer.
  • Step 9: Tap Win + R to open Run and then type in Regedit in the field and tap enter to pull up Windows Registry.
  • Step 10: Navigate to the following path:
HKEY_CURRENT_USERControl PanelDesktop HKEY_USERS.DEFAULTControl PanelDesktop HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRunOnce HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRunOnce
  • Step 11: Delete the registry keys and sub-keys created by PyLocky ransomware.
  • Step 12: Close the Registry Editor and empty the Recycle Bin.
Try to recover your encrypted files using the Shadow Volume copies Restoring your encrypted files using Windows Previous Versions feature will only be effective if PyLocky ransomware hasn’t deleted the shadow copies of your files. But still, this is one of the best and free methods there is, so it’s definitely worth a shot. To restore the encrypted file, right-click on it and select Properties, a new window will pop up, then proceed to Previous Versions. It will load the file’s previous version before it was modified. After it loads, select any of the previous versions displayed on the list like the one in the illustration below. And then click the Restore button.
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How to Fix Task Scheduler Error 0x80070057
One of the important functions in the Windows operating system is the Task Scheduler. It can automatically run various tasks at a certain time where you’ll have to add a task that needs to be executed and then choose the time it has to run at. So when that time comes, the Task Scheduler will run the task automatically. However, some users reported getting an Error 0x80070057 where the Task Scheduler fails to start. This kind of error may be due to a disabled service that prevents the service from running. It is also possible that the antivirus program interfered with the task – it could be that the Task Scheduler is somewhat in the block list since the antivirus adds it to the list automatically when it’s installed. On the other hand, it could be that you lack administrator-level privilege which is why the Task Scheduler was not able to carry out the task. To fix this issue, here are some suggestions you can try.

Option 1 – Try to restart the Task Scheduler service

As mentioned, it is possible that the Task Scheduler service could be disabled. You could have disabled it when trying to enhance your computer’s performance and whatnot. Thus, you need to verify if it’s running or not and then restart it.
  • First, you need to tap the Win + R keys on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
  • Next, type “services.msc” in the field and click OK or tap Enter to open the Windows Services Manager.
  • You will see a list of Services and from there, look for the Task Scheduler service and double click on it.
  • After that, go to the General tab and click on the Startup Type options and then select “Automatically” from the given list.
  • Click on the “RUN” option and select the “Restart the Service” option.
  • And click on the “After Second Failure” option and then select the “Restart-Service” option again.
  • Now click on the “After Subsequent Failures” tab and select the “Restart the Service” option.
  • Finally, click on the Apply and OK buttons and then run the Task Scheduler and see if the issue is now fixed.

Option 2 – Try to temporarily disable the anti-virus program

As mentioned, the error could be due to the antivirus program or the Windows Defender Firewall installed in your computer. Thus, disabling them or any security software installed on your computer is always a good idea you can try when you’re not able to access the shared drive on your computer. There are times when you encounter problems like the Task Scheduler Error 0x80070057 due to interference of antivirus or security programs. Thus, you have to disable both your antivirus program for the meantime and check if it fixes the error or not.

Option 3 – Run the Task Scheduler with an administrator account

Like pointed out, the Task Scheduler Error 0x80070057 may be due to the lack of admin privileges. Thus, you have to log in to an administrator account and try running the Task Scheduler again. It is also recommended that the administrator account you’re going to use as a password when logging in.

Option 4 – Repair the Task Scheduler by deleting corrupted tasks

Note that a single corrupted file can cause big problems so this option is quite important. And for you to delete a corrupted task or any task from the Task Scheduler, you have to use the Registry Editor if you are not able to use the Task Scheduler interface. To do so, follow these steps:
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the dialog box for Run.
  • Next, type in Regedit and click on OK or tap Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  • Then navigate to this path: ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionScheduleTaskCacheTree
Note: In this path, you can see all the tasks that are currently set in the Task Scheduler. And since it would be hard to tell which one of them is corrupted, you have to delete the latest one in Task Scheduler last. But before you do so, make sure that you take note of the ID of the tasks. And for you to get the ID, you have to select the task you wish to delete and double click on the ID string located on your right-hand side, and then copy it in the Notepad.
  • Right-click on the task name and then delete it.
  • After that, delete the very same GUID which you have copied earlier from these folders:
  • ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionScheduleTaskCacheBoot
  • ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionScheduleTaskCacheLogon
  • ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionScheduleTaskCacheMaintenance
  • ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionScheduleTaskCachePlain
  • ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionScheduleTaskCacheTasks
Note: You might not see the same GUID from these folders but if you see it, delete it right away.
  • Next, navigate to this location: C:/Windows/System32/Tasks
  • Delete the very same tasks you just deleted from the Registry Editor.
  • Restart your PC and check if the Task Scheduler is back to its normal state or not.
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How to turn off Live Photo on iPhone

Apple introduced the Live Photo feature way with iPhone 6S in their iOS9. Live Photo idea was that each time you take a photo, your phone will capture a few seconds of video along with sound and all of that is sent when you share your photo. This of course can sometimes be really bad when some not wanted audio gets recorded in the background.

live photo

Since the feature was introduced it has been set as the default option when taking pictures so each time you snap one you just capture a small amount of video and audio along. Good thing is that this feature can be turned off and the even better news is that you can edit your old photos to remove back video and audio.

How to share only photo

You can keep your Live Photos but share only a single still typical photo if you wish. Go to the photos app on your phone and select the photo you wish to share. Press the Share button on the bottom left part of the screen and once the Share menu appears tap on the Live button in the upper left corner of the selected photo. The button should turn grey and become slashed and now you can share only still photo. This is only temporary for this one specific share so next time you want to do this you will have to go through the process again.

How to disable Live Photo

If you are not happy with the previous solution and really do not want to turn off the Live feature each time you want to share a photo or you just simply do not want the feature at all there is way to turn if off for good. Take note that you can temporarily not use this feature just by opening the camera, switching to photo mode, and then tapping on the Live photo button on the toolbar that looks like three circles one inside another. This will temporarily turn the Live Photo feature for this session but next time when you open the camera by default it will be turned on again. This is a good approach if you want the feature but sometimes you just want not to use it.

In order to turn it off completely go to the settings of your phone and go to Camera and then preserve settings. inside the preserve setting turn the switch Live Photo to ON position, now go-to camera and again click on the live photo button to turn it off but this time setting will be saved and next time you open the camera it will not be ON.

Editing old Live Photos

As stated before you can edit your old pictures in order to make them stills. You can edit them to remove audio only but keep the video part, or you can completely remove everything and convert them into typical still images.

In order to only remove audio from your Live Photos go to pictures and select one that you wish to change, click on edit, and inside edit tap on the Live Photo icon (three circles). Next tap on the audio icon located in the top left corner of your screen and it will change into the mute icon. Click on done and you are finished.

To completely remove the Live photo go to Photos, select picture, click on edit and select the live photo button again. This time tap and hold the Live button next to the sound until it turns gray with a strike through it. Click on done and you are finished.

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Find out bottlenecks in your PC easily
Building a custom PC is a great feeling but it can sometimes not be ideal and we are not talking about breaking or losing parts. What we mean is that choosing the right components can be sometimes a difficult task. Of course, picking a PC case can have its issues, choosing the right power supply can be tricky but pairing all components together, especially CPU and GPU can be tricky. bottlenecksBuilders with no depth knowledge and experience can sometimes choose improper CPU or GPU, picking one of them to be much more powerful than another thus not using it to its full potential because another component cannot handle stuff at the same speed. In order to not be trumped by this kind of stuff, there is a website that is completely free and you do not even need to be registered in order to use it. Bottlenet calculator link here What is even better, once you input your components you will get advice on what to change in order to tweak the system a little more to avoid bottlenecks even more. It is a very useful tool and we are advising you to use it in order to save money but not throwing it on some component that will be half used.
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